Plan outlines path to carbon neutrality by 2050, interim steps to take by 2030 including more clean energy, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, land & water conservation 

Local cities and communities across Michigan are leading the way on bold, equitable climate action. While we need comprehensive federal and national action, local action is an important part of addressing the climate crisis.

In Michigan, at least 17 communities have already set ambitious climate policies. Read all about this in our new report and see powerful examples of bold local policies in place.

Most of the local climate policies you see in place on this list are the result of community advocates demanding action, and leadership from motivated elected officials and city staff.

Take action in your community today! Below is a list of people and groups leading the ongoing work to pass and implement ambitious climate policies around the state. Reach out about ways to get involved in your hometown, or if your group is not listed, let us know at [email protected]. 

No group listed for your community? Use these toolkits to start your own: Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 Activist Toolkit and The Climate Mobilization 2030 Toolkit. 

Ongoing Community Climate Action

Local climate action shows urgent need for strong, just state climate policy

There have been many recent updates in the fight to shut down Line 5, and a historic moment in the case was reached.

“Allowing this oil tunnel will exacerbate climate change, and would work against international climate goals and the climate goals of our own state”

And that means no pipeline, no tunnel. Written by Julia Cole, guest writer at the Lansing State Journal.

A good start that needs improvements. Groups urge people to make public comment.

Michigan should power grid with renewables, reduce energy use, boost electrification in state climate plan. Over 400 individuals, groups send letter to Council on Climate Solutions, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy outlining recommendations for MI Healthy Climate Plan.

A statement by Kate Madigan, Executive Director at the Michigan Climate Action Network, on the recent shift in the battle to shut down Line 5.

40 organizations send letter calling for bold climate justice investments

The effects of climate change are being seen worldwide and right here in Michigan. This video summarizes these impacts - from flooding, intense storms, power outages, to impacts to agriculture, harm to the Great Lakes, and more.

State Representative Rachel Hood introduced legislation to expand the development of community solar. She shares the details and help us understand what it means for people of the Mitten.

The ELPC’s lead attorney on the Line 5 tunnel permit case, Margrethe Kearney, explores the expert takeaways on the climate implications of the Line 5 pipeline tunnel and discusses what's next.

With the strength of Detroit's Eco Works legacy and a generation of BIPOC leaders at the ready, Bryan Lewis is ready to leverage this moment. 

We at MICAN believe that our changing climate demands just and equitable action on personal, community, systemic, and global levels. We're glad that you're with us in this important work - the climate movement will be won thanks to individuals like yourself! 

 Opportunities to Get Involved

Stay tuned!

We're currently revamping our volunteer process to best help you engage in opportunities like rallies and events, get out the vote efforts, and climate organizations locally. There's a seat at the table for everyone and the climate movement needs your unique background and experience.

In the meantime, please check out our list of organization members under our "about" tab, or read our new cities report, summarizing bold local actions in place around the state that you can get involved with.

We're excited to welcome your participation as we work for climate, jobs, and justice.

MiCAN Climate Action Network Communications Specialist

Salary Range: $48,000 – 56,500
Deadline to apply: June 24, 2022
Target hire start date: July 2022
Type: Full-time
Location: Flexible within Michigan

Groundwork Center is seeking a Communications Specialist to manage the digital communications platforms and online presence of the Michigan Climate Action Network (MiCAN) to elevate the network’s reach and advocacy in Michigan.  

About the Michigan Climate Action Network

MiCAN is a statewide network of 76 organizations and thousands of individuals formed in 2015 to solve the climate crisis by building a more powerful and more justice-centered movement. Over the last seven years, MICAN has worked to elevate climate to be a top priority in Michigan and advanced ambitious and equitable solutions primarily at the local and state levels. We engage over 5,000 people to take action each year, promote ambitious policies, support the work of dozens of partner groups, and convene hundreds of people at our annual Climate Summit. 

 Job Description: 

The ideal candidate must have a strong passion for climate resilience and justice; technical expertise in website design, experience in content creation for common web, social, and marketing software, and for platforms like Mailchimp or Nationbuilder. The ideal candidate should have  a proven ability to manage various communications needs for multi-faceted program campaigns; strong writing skills; and the ability to manage relationships with photo, video, and graphic design vendors as needed. We also need a candidate who will bring passion to the work on a daily basis.

This position is full time, year round, and will report to the MiCAN Director. Additional strategic support will be provided by the Groundwork Center Climate and Environment Director and Communications Director. 

Digital Engagement Manager Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage MiCAN’s website and other project-specific websites;
• Develop written content, including project updates and action alerts;
• Create, oversee, and develop social media strategy, campaigns, and day-to-day content to grow MiCAN’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok social media accounts.
• Manage MiCAN’s email platform and to create targeted outreach and continue to grow and mobilize MiCAN’s email list;
• Contribute to social media marketing strategy and content;
• Train and support program staff in new social tools and social media advertising strategies in order to reach their program goals;
•  Evaluate effectiveness of various digital engagement strategies and monitor and report on social media metrics on a regular, ongoing basis;
• Monitor and respond to public messages and comments to MiCAN on social media platforms;
• Oversee vendor relationships with highly skilled photographers, podcast and video producers, and graphic designers as needed.

Professional Requirements

Candidates for this position must demonstrate:

• Experience in content management systems like WordPress and Nationbuilder;
• Experience managing email communications and social media campaigns; including on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tiktok;
• Experience with Google Analytics and other web and social metrics tools such as Buffer, Hootsuite, etc;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• A proven ability to work independently and be self directed while collaborating well with others in a team setting;
• An interest in and passion for the climate movement;
• And, a demonstrated standard of excellence with attention to detail and accuracy.

Personal Qualifications

Among the qualities we seek in successful candidates are a:

• Strong commitment to MiCAN and Groundwork Center’s mission and programs;
• Passion for climate justice and advancing clean energy
• Growing understanding of and enthusiasm for community resilience principles;
• Proven ability to organize priorities, with keen attention to detail and deadlines;
• Self-directed working approach and ability to take initiative;
• Professional and pleasant demeanor;
• And, a sense of humor and positive outlook.

At Groundwork Center, the candidate will join a driven team of individuals who are advancing policy solutions and projects that are pragmatic, practical, caring and visionary. We strive to create a positive, collaborative, healthy, and inspired working environment that gives the staff the support to be the leaders in their field.

We are optimistic about Michigan’s future and believe in a thriving local farm and food economy; stronger, more walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly towns and villages; cleaner sources of energy, and climate solutions that support a more equitable world for all. MiCAN, as a project of Groundwork Center, shares this vision. The researchers, writers, advocates, system-changemakers and coalition-builders that make up our staff are passionately committed to realizing this vision.

Compensation, Benefits, and Application Procedure

This is a full-time position with flexible hours, generous vacation and health benefits, retirement contribution matching, and a competitive salary range. This is a specialist-level position, with a salary range at $48,000–56,500. The position location is flexible within the state of Michigan.

Please send a one-page cover letter, résumé and three references to [email protected], with the subject line: MiCAN Communications Specialist. We will accept applications until midnight on June 24th.

Groundwork Center is committed to creating a diverse workplace and seeks a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds. People of color, persons with disabilities, veterans and LGBTQ candidates are encouraged to apply. Groundwork Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation at any point in the employment process.

Groundwork Center is committed to creating a diverse workplace and seeks a wide-range of perspectives and backgrounds. People of color, persons with disabilities, veterans and LGBTQ candidates are encouraged to apply. Groundwork Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in their employment decisions. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation at any point in the employment process.

Funding would address critical clean drinking water improvements, build climate-resilient infrastructure across Michigan.

In this special episode, hear from three incredible leaders from the state of Michigan talking about climate and clean energy; Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, administrators Liesl Clark, Director, Department of the Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, and Katherine Peretick, Commissioner, Michigan Public Service Commission.